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Senses & sensation

Blindfolds and sensory play: a beginner's guide

Taking away sight makes every touch a surprise. Add earplugs or headphones and all that’s left is feeling.

In the quiz

• Blindfolds
• Sensory deprivation
• Feathers and light touch
• Tickling

How to start

1. Use a sleep mask or a soft scarf.
2. Say before the first touch, then stop narrating.
3. Mix sensations: fingertips, feathers, breath, something cold.
4. Keep a hand on them so they know you’re still there.

How to keep it safe

• Never leave someone blindfolded and alone.
• Keep the first time short. Some people get disoriented or anxious.
• With headphones on, agree on a hand signal to stop.

What you need

• Starter: a sleep mask.
• Upgrade: a feather tickler and noise-canceling headphones.

Ideas to try

• Feed them small bites of food and have them guess.
• Blindfold plus restraints for full surprise.

Is your partner into it too?

Take the quiz on your own phones. You'll only see blindfolds and sensory play in your results if you both said some kind of yes.

Take the quiz

Sources

• Muise et al. (2019). Broadening your horizons: Self-expanding activities promote desire and satisfaction in established romantic relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
• Brown, Barker & Rahman (2020). A systematic scoping review of the prevalence, etiological, psychological, and interpersonal factors associated with BDSM. Journal of Sex Research.

Related guides

• Temperature, wax and edge sensation

  Hot and cold on skin wake everything up. Ice, a warm mouth, chilled toys and warm wax all play with contrast. Electrical and fire play are the far end.

Educational, not medical or legal advice. Updated 2026-11-09.